Vicia faba - Past, Present and Future Breeding Perspectives in Romania

Abstract

Vicia faba is one of the oldest vegetables in the world, recognized as a valuable protein-rich food and with high adaptability to grow in all climatic conditions, but despite this, in Romania is an underutilized crop, with few studies conducted so far.  This study aims to explore past, present and future breeding perspectives on faba bean. In this study, ten accessions of Vicia faba were grown in the Research Field of Vegetable Research Development Station (VRDS) Buzau, Romania. Ten synthetic varieties have been studied to determine the amount of realized heterosis expressed in higher yield and yield stability. In terms of seed size, seven accessions belong to V. faba var. major, while the others fit to the minor group. The plant growth habit was semi-determinate for six accessions, while four had determinate habit. In terms of yield component, the accessions A1 and A7 had the highest yield. The assessments concluded to a great variability between studied accessions and the results might be useful in the future breeding programs.